Estevan residents were put on alert last week after reports surfaced that three cougars were spotted within city limits.
The Estevan Police Service issued a joint press release with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment to notify the public that the cougars - believed to be an adult and two young ones - were seen along the valley edge on the north side of the Bay Meadows subdivision.
Bonnie Greene, an educational consultant/conservation officer with the ministry said that sightings were reported between Sept. 9-11 and again last week. However she said that local conservation officers have not been able to confirm that cougars were in fact in the area.
"There was no physical evidence found," said Greene. "No hair, no track and generally it is quite easy because cougars are like cats, they walk with their claws up where a dog will have a track down.
"They have a very distinct track and the officers weren't able to locate any of that."
Greene said the local conservation officers have set up monitoring stations in the area. She added that if anyone comes across a cougar, if possible, they should try and get a picture to confirm the sighting. They should also immediately report the sighting.
"More than 50 per cent of cougar sightings turn out to be something other than a cougar," she said.
Greene was quick to note that although they would like a picture to confirm any sighting, under no circumstances should anyone approach a cougar.
"Safety first. If it is within a close area, don't crouch down and don't run away," said Greene. "We suggest you stand up straight and as tall as you can, make yourself look as big as possible. You can look at it and yell at it and throw something at it but don't run, just back away slowly.
"Their main source of food is deer so don't do anything that makes them think you are prey to them."
Although any possible sighting generates plenty of attention in the media, Greene said actual sightings are very rare.
She added the ministry estimates there are roughly 300 cougars living throughout Saskatchewan, the majority in the southwest corner of the province and along the North and 小蓝视频 Saskatchewan Rivers.
